Thousands Turn Out For Annual MLK Parade

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — People are lined up downtown for the 11th annual Martin Luther King Day Parade.

Monday marks the 25th year that there has been a federal holiday to honor the late civil rights leader. King is the only American not a U.S. president to be recognized this way.

Weijia Jiang reports spectators could certainly feel the excitement as the entire city came together to celebrate Dr. King. The streets come alive to honor the man who lost his life fighting for a dream.

“Martin Luther King was about bringing everyone together and having a dream where everyone can live. I think we have to just be here to keep that dream alive,” said parade-goer.

Marching bands, African-American fraternities and sororities and peace groups lined up to kick off the 10th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

“We’re in Baltimore. We want to really stress that we are a city that strives. We come out each year,” said one parade-goer.

“To be able to give back to the children. We want them to carry on the legacy is the most powerful thing we could ever do, and that was Dr. King’s overall legacy,” said another parade-goer.

Thousands gathered to remember Dr. King’s legacy and to celebrate his progress and the future.

Martin O’Malley started the tradition 11 years ago when he was the mayor.